I'm looking for suggestions/experience for an outdoor camera security system. Been thinking my antennas advertise I have some expensive electronics in the house. The criteria are for the best combination of:1. cost2. reliability3. clear picture (day and night)4. weatherproof (not weather resistant)5. wireless6. motion activated

I've looked online, lots are available, and all claim to be the best. I know my question might be kinda like "which is the best rig" , just hoping to get some reliable comments from your experiences.

Also, any thoughts on displaying the 'decals' that most systems offer? Just wondered if telling everyone they are on camera is good or bad advertising.

Out here in the country, one of the favorite security tricks is to put a muddy pair of size 16 boots on the porch, next to a 2 gallon dog dish (properly dented up) with the name Brutus on it. Then on the door, a note that says: “Bubba – don’t go in the house. The dogs got the neighbor again and we have them locked up for a while. Me and Ralph went to the store to buy more ammo and will be right back.”

Seriously though – Multi camera recording security systems can be had from $300 at Harbor Freight, and for $400 to $1000 at Sam’s Club. You can also get a “Game Camera” like the type used by hunters to photograph animals. Some with an infrared flash can be had in the $200 to $300 range.

As far as signs, I do not think it is a bad idea. While they will not stop the professional thief, they may deter the teenager who comes upon what appears to be an easy target.

There are also advertizements for a complete, monitored home security system--video and all available--for about "$2 a day" on TV. I thing the system's name is Vivint. The only problem with it is that those payments go on.... forever...

Post a couple conspicuous security surveillance signs with a couple fake cameras up high that can't be easily discerned if real or not.As an alternate you could sell your high end gear then buy a KX3 which could be easily hidden under Brutus's water bowl or inside Bubba's size 16 boots when you are away from home.

Think the """other side of the coin""The antennas signify hi-tech.. rados, motin detectors, security cameras,, internet linked cameras,,Not a likely target for a B and E type. And also If known as 'ham radio' then the B and E also knows small market and closely watched., No market to average buyer/fence..

Maybe you antenna system is the best security system, even if there were no radios inside.

On my front door I have a large sticker that reads "Insured by Smith and Wesson" and out at the back door I have a sign that says" Protected by Smith and Wesson three nights a week, you guess which three" . I have never had any problems at my home. When I get out of the truck every evening the S and W is on my belt. The neighborhood punks often see it with me close by. We have had several break ins in the neighborhood but thank God not me.

SWMAN – those signs are not a good idea. In the unfortunate incident where you are forced to defend your family, home and property, those signs will be seen by the investigators. The litigation will use them to show how you were ready to shoot anyone for any reason. Alarm Signs are just as effective and cannot be used against you in court. I am not saying to “Not keep a weapon ready”; I am just suggesting that you do not advertise the fact.

W5CPT: Your note had me laughing so loudly that everyone in the office had to come and read it. Classic.

As for my security system: A 100-pound German Shepherd who barks at anything that moves. Door-to-door salespeople don't stick around too long when they see her trying to jump at them through the door. She is as gentle as can be once she gets to know you though.

I got the dog for my wife when I was travelling out of town a lot. There was a news story about how professional burglars are not afraid of alarms or alarm companies but will give a wide berth to a home with a dog. Even the small ones.

What is wrong is that when a lowlife breaks in with intent to harm and gets shot, the homeowner is not given the price of the cartridge by the state - who have saved a load of money by not having to keep said lowlife in jail.

I'm looking for suggestions/experience for an outdoor camera security system. Been thinking my antennas advertise I have some expensive electronics in the house. The criteria are for the best combination of:1. cost2. reliability3. clear picture (day and night)4. weatherproof (not weather resistant)5. wireless6. motion activated

I've looked online, lots are available, and all claim to be the best. I know my question might be kinda like "which is the best rig" , just hoping to get some reliable comments from your experiences.

Also, any thoughts on displaying the 'decals' that most systems offer? Just wondered if telling everyone they are on camera is good or bad advertising.

Thanks for all help, 73 Dale

I would tend to think that most idiots that are going to break into your house will not have a clue what the antenna are used for.

If you have insurance (you do have home owners insurance?) then your equipment would be replaced if it is stolen. It will be replaced with new radios etc.

I have no mercy or sympathy for any of the lowlifes that I see in my part of town. Most of the ones I am refering to wear hoodies and have their ugly pants hanging down to the middle of their ass. They think that they own the streets when they walk. Yes, I can put a price on protecting my family and yes even for my possessions if anyone was to break in or try and do something outside or anywere. They will be brought down in a heartbeat. And I hope that I will be reimbursed for the 357 shell that I had to waste on them. There is to much violence and bad things going on and I am getting real tired of it. Just my honest thoughts and opinion.

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